lithos denotes a stone as a physical object, building material, tomb covering, or figurative cornerstone and obstacle.

The occurrences chiefly denote physical stones: loose objects, building material, tomb closures, and stones associated with destruction or throwing. The term also appears figuratively for a rejected cornerstone, a cause of stumbling, and people compared with living stones; several contexts specify precious stones used for adornment or trade.

1. Physical stones and masonry · dominant

   The noun names tangible stones that can be picked up and thrown in John 8:59, used to cover or close a grave in John 11:38 and John 11:39, and left one upon another in a destroyed building in Luke 21:6. In Matthew 27:60 the APB renders a large stone rolled against the tomb door, while 1 Corinthians 3:12 places plural stones among materials used for building.

   John 8:59John 11:38John 11:39Luke 21:6Matthew 27:601 Corinthians 3:12
2. Figurative cornerstone and stumbling stone · common

   In Acts 4:11 and Matthew 21:42, the singular noun occurs in the clause about the stone rejected by builders becoming the head of the corner. In 1 Peter 2:5 plural nominative stones compare the addressed people to living stones being built into a house; 1 Peter 2:8 presents a stone of stumbling, and Luke 20:18 describes falling on that stone and being broken.

   Acts 4:11Matthew 21:421 Peter 2:51 Peter 2:8Luke 20:18Mark 12:10
3. Precious or decorative stone · occasional

   In Revelation 17:4 and Revelation 18:16, the noun occurs with gold and pearls in descriptions of adornment. Revelation 18:12 places it in a cargo list, while Revelation 21:19 describes city-wall foundations adorned with every kind of precious stone.

   Revelation 17:4Revelation 18:12Revelation 18:16Revelation 21:19Revelation 21:11Revelation 4:3
4. Stone as a measure of distance · rare

   In Luke 22:41, the genitive singular form occurs in the expression describing the distance of Jesus' withdrawal before he knelt to pray. The APB renders the expression “about a stone's throw,” indicating a distance measured by the throw of a stone.

   Luke 22:41

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across the occurrences, the APB commonly presents the noun as “stone” or “stones,” including tomb stones, building stones, and precious stones. It also renders the figurative clauses with “cornerstone,” “stone of stumbling,” and “living stones”; these are verse-level renderings rather than definitions.